Increase In Britons Arrested Overseas

The number of Britons arrested overseas increased by 6% in the last year, official figures have revealed.

A total 6,015 arrest cases abroad involving British nationals, including holidaymakers and residents overseas, were dealt with by the Foreign Office between April 2011 and March 2012.

The figures showed Spain to have the highest number of British offenders, with 1,909 arrests and detentions – a rise of 9%.

The US was second with 1,305 arrests, up 3% on last year.

The Foreign Office said evidence from embassies and consulates overseas suggested most of the arrests were alcohol-fuelled and took place in popular holiday destinations including Ibiza, Majorca, Spain, Malta and Cyprus.

The use of drugs is another main reason behind the figures, leading to 147 arrests in the US and 141 in Spain.

Peru had the highest percentage of British drug arrests in 2011/12, with 15 of 17 arrests drug related.

Consular Affairs Minister Jeremy Browne said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law.

"The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. While we will work hard to try and ensure the safety of British nationals abroad, we cannot interfere in another country's legal system.

"We find that many people are shocked to discover that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office cannot get them out of jail.

"We always provide consular support to British nationals in difficulty overseas. However, having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."